Donora remembers ‘Stan the Man’

Members of Stan Musial’s family celebrate Mass at Our Lady of the Valley church Saturday.
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DONORA – Baseball Hall of Famer Stan Musial, the iconic “Stan the Man,” was remembered fondly in his hometown of Donora this morning.

“You would hear all of these great things about him, and it would be hard to believe everything. Then you’d meet him and realize that all of it was true,” said Steve Russell, a retired Belle Vernon Area School District superintendent, during his eulogy at a Mass for Musial at Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church.

Musial, 92, died Jan. 19.

Musial, a graduate of old Donora High School, was as well-known for his friendly, easy-going manner as for his athletic skills. He was a major-league outfielder for 22 seasons, all with the St. Louis Cardinals, and batted .331 for his career.

About 150 people attended the ceremony, celebrated by the Rev. Pierre Falkenhan, the pastor.

Staff writer Rick Shrum will have the full story in tomorrow’s Observer-Reporter.